Back pain: Causes
![Woman with back pain](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_IE/pain-relief/voltaren/Shutterstock-730526026%20Woman%20with%20back%20pain%20_970x416.jpg?auto=format)
Understand back pain
The origin of back pain can be difficult to unearth, but effective symptomatic relief is available even if the cause is not known.1,2
The reason for the pain developing may not be known
![Graphic depicting potential causes of back pain](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_IE/pain-relief/conditions/Cause_Risk_970x416.jpg?auto=format)
Back pain can arise due to a number of different reasons
Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:1
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Skeletal irregularities
- Bulging or ruptured disks
However, back pain often develops without a specific cause. In this case, the back pain is referred to as ‘non-specific’ back pain.2,3
The location of the pain can sometimes point to an origin
Understanding back pain
![Signs and symptoms icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_IE/icons/signs_symptoms_orange-750x421.png?auto=format)
Signs and symptoms
Explore an overview of how to recognise back and neck pain and know when to refer patients.
![Management icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_IE/icons/GSK_GEP_management_orange-750x421.png?auto=format)
![Sprains and strains icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_IE/icons/sprains-strains_icon_750x421.png?auto=format)
Overview of sprains and strains
Find out about how prevalent sprains and strains are, and meet two patients with these problems.
Learn more
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Voltarol Emulgel P 1% w/w Gel
Scientifically proven to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and restore movement.4-6
![Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_IE/pain-relief/voltaren/Voltarol-Emulgel-Extra-Strength-plus-pack-750x421.jpg?auto=format)
Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel
See how Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel can help your patients with just twice daily application.
![Voltarol Heat Patch Voltarol Heat Patch](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_IE/pain-relief/new-pain-relief/ps-Voltarol-heat%20patch-750x421.jpg?auto=format)
Voltarol Heat Patch
Find out how Voltarol Heat Patch can provide non-medicated relief for back and muscle pain.